4/ Earlier today, opposition forces reached the statue of Bashar al-Assad’s deceased brother, Bassel, at the eastern edge of New Aleppo. In a symbolic act, they took down the regime flag—a bold statement against the government’s grip on power.

3/ In the midst of this intense conflict, there’s a striking moment of humanity. Families separated for years are reuniting. The significance of these reunions cannot be overstated. It’s a glimmer of hope in a brutal 14 year long war.